Nikon Df – full frame D4 sensor in a retro styled body

Nikon Df – full frame retro look camera

Nikon presented a brand new camera that caught the eye of everyone. Not just us photographers but the ones who will become just that in order to use and walk around with the new Nikon Df. It looks amazing, it’s made just the way they used to make them. This retro styled model is nothing but retro beyond its surface. It’s packed with the top-of-the-line 16.2 MP full-frame sensor from the Nikon D4, and shoots an amazing 5.5fps. It has no video feature but who cares !

Retro design but modern inside

The Nikon Df got its looks from a a Nikon F-series camera with all the retro-styled controls. As mentioned, the classic styling doesn’t reflect on the camera’s actual functionality, as the back controls remain typical of Nikon’s smaller DSLRs. To make even better, you can use the Df with classic lenses as well. The Nikon Df includes the mechanical linkage needed to take advantage of Nikon’s pre-AI (older than 1977) lenses.

With controls on top of the Nikon Df you can now, as back in the days, use the dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation. Aperture can either be controlled with the ring on (older) lenses equipped with one or the normal modern way by pressing buttons.

Nikon Df specification

Some may be surprised by the lack of video, but maybe the Nikon Df is just keeping it retro and real. I personally approve that way of thinking. But despite that the reason might also be in small capacity battery. The Df’s EN-EL14a battery is said to be good for up to 1400 exposures but at 1030 mAh it’s about half the size of the D4′s 2000 mAh power unit. The combination of a full-frame sensor and HD video might have cut down battery life enough that Nikon decided not to make this an option.

16 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (same as D4)

ISO 100-25,600 (exp. ISO 50 – 204,800)

5.5 fps

39-point AF system with 9 cross-type AF points

3.2-inch, 921k-dot LCD screen

Compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses (including pre-Ai standard)

Single SD card slot

EN-EL14a battery (~1400 images)

Nikon df conclusion

With the new Nikon Df you won’t get the blazing frame rate or video capabilities of the Nikon D4, but if you like its styling and functionality and all that retro classic vibe and can live without video, the Nikon Df may be the right camera for you.

About ivan

Ivan is a freelance photographer, an adventure traveler and a car enthusiast. Besides driving all around the continent and taking car shots, he enjoys action photography and has been a part of many sporting events in Europe.